Herein lie the words of Commander Caleb Flores, Prince of Gaia. Within these journals the reader will find the current events of the Gaian Kingdom, and the private thoughts and reflections of the Prince, Chosen Son of Gaia. The Prince is heir to the throne and is second only to the will of his father, the King. However, as the King's chief military and diplomatic liaison, he wields great power within the Kingdom. The Flores family has ruled Gaia for generations, but I sense we are on the brink of greatness. After extensive alliance negotiations with the VnV Nation, and the help of the Prince's personal friend and mentor Baron Manny DeSilvia, Gaia has been welcomed with open arms. Even though we lie on the frontiers of the Nation, we hope to be a bastion of civility for our inner-galaxy allies. With hope in my heart, I pray for the prosperity of the Gaian Kingdom.

I will be posting the Prince's updates as often as possible so that the brothers and sisters of the VnV Nation can know what life is like on the outer-rim of the universe. Undoubtedly, the Prince will want to keep you informed about the threats and dangers of Galaxy 68, but he will also want to tell you of the progress we have made as a civilization. I must now take my leave, there is business to be done. Peace be with you.

Gaia is deeply grieved to hear about the brutal terrorist attacks on the VnV Embassy in Galaxy 56. Our hopes and prayers go out to you, Ambassador Seneca. The Gaian Elder's Council debates furiously over how to react to such attacks. Unfortunately, there is little we can do. Captain Stubling is a powerful enemy and it would be foolish to rush into battle without proper planning.

Another topic up for debate today, is the colonization of our eighth planet. The Elders have come to the conclusion that our kingdom must be extended to one more planet. However, there is dissension about where we should colonize. I am slightly annoyed at the King's apathy concerning this matter, but I digress. Should we continue to colonize in Galaxy 68? Or move closer to the VnV Nation in Galaxy 56 or 41? The discussion should conclude by the end of the day, but I request that the brothers and sisters of the VnV Nation weigh in on this matter since it is for the good of the alliance.

On a lighter note, Gaia looks beautiful today. The underground metropolis of Divinus has never been so alive. This morning I awoke to the wonderful sound of the engines of our newly constructed Athena Battleship, and three brand new Poseidon Cruisers. Fleet construction is under way and progressing excellently. Over the next few days the Gaian fleet will become fully operational.

Brethren, I look forward to hearing from you concerning our colonization debate, your opinions are of great importance to our kingdom. Please keep me updated concerning the upcoming battle with the Time Wasters. I leave you in peace.

I bring you good news. The Elder's Council has reached a decision (thanks to the wisdom of Commander Castle). Minutes ago a colony ship left our galaxy for Galaxy 56. It will be landing in approximately 22 hours and is followed by a small contingent of transport ships. It's intended coordinates are 56:201:9. This is a far distance from our homeworld, so any assistance with resources and protection will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your kind words. The Tau are a wonderful people, they have been of great assistance to us in the past, especially in the area of technological development. Much of our armor and weaponry is modeled after theirs. Also, both our peoples stand for the Greater Good.

Today is a glorious day! For today the Lady Katherine of Paulinus has accepted my marriage proposal. I have declared a seven day celebration in honor of this magnificent event. If any of you would like to attend you are more than welcome. I look forward to meeting you face to face. My secretary, Sutonias, will send your wedding invitations in the coming months. Farewell.

Sincerely,

Commander Caleb Flores,Prince of Gaia

[End Transmission]The Prince inserts the datapad into the slot in his desk where it will be instantaneously sent to the VnV Nation headquarters. He looks out the window and smiles. "I love this city," he thinks to himself as he looks out on the vast jungles of Divinus. His office door opens and in walks his beautiful fiancèe. Her elegance is incomparable as she walks along the marble tile towards him with obvious delight. Following her is the Prince's personal secretary, Sutonias.

Prince Caleb: "Sutonias, before I forget, make sure to send out invitations to our brethren at the VnV Nation in the coming months. I don't want anyone to feel left out."

Sutonias: "Yes, my lord." [Sutonias exits the room]

Lady Katherine: "My love! How are you doing? What news from the VnV?"

PC: "Well, it turns out that Lord Magikot has also had contact with the Tau, and that Baron Revan is quite excited about Space Marines. Do you know what that means?" [A puzzled look on the Prince's face]

LK: "No, my love, I haven't got a clue."

PC: "Oh well. By the way, I have just announced our engagement to the Nation.

LK: "That is excellent news, we will need to begin preparations as soon as possible. There is so much to do!" [She gives the Prince a kiss and glides out the door.]

"Oh no, I am late!" the Prince says to himself. "Professor Vanesian will crucify me if I do not turn in this stupid paper. Ah, the trials of the historian!"

Last edited by Caleb Flores on Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:10 am; edited 1 time in total

Citizen, you can expect to find a transport with resources advancing towards you colony in galaxy 56 as soon as I will be able to send it... Be advised that you will be flying into hostile territory, and that the agressor bothering us is beyond my powers to deal with.

Thank you for your concern and the resources. The colony ship will be landing in approximately 17 hours. Hopefully we can continue to make our presence known in 56, and eventually grow enough to destroy this menace.

This is an open letter for all to read. I pledge my blood and my life into your hands, I shall die for you should I be called upon to do so. My resources and fleet are at your command when you need them. You are part of my family at all times and death shall never separate that fact. Blood of my Blood.

_________________Primogen Margrave Manny De Silvia

Primogen House Pearl * Ambassador VnV Nation * Ruler of the 8 Colonies * Protector of the Realm * Seeker of the Matrix

It pleases me to hear that negotiations in Galaxy 56 with Commander Stubling have commenced. However, I do agree with Ambassador Seneca that reparations must be made. It is foolish to believe that one can commit an act of terror on an embassy and not suffer any consequences. I hope Governor Maenhout realizes this and makes the right decision.

I must now congratulate Ambassador Seneca on the opening of a new Ambassador's office in Galaxy 51! After the devastating attacks on the embassy it must be a welcomed victory. I hope peace finds you well.

Also, I have just received an update regarding our Colony Ship heading to Galaxy 56. It seems that it will be arriving within the next two hours. Again, all help will be greatly appreciated. Galaxy 56 is a dangerous one.

I encourage every VnV brother and sister to read over Commander Gent's proposal regarding the "Pipeline Infrastructure and Expanded Government Departments Act (PIEGDA)." The Gaian Kingdom has put its full support behind this act because it will insure that fringe galaxy members gets the resources they need in a timely and organized manner. I also call on the nobility of our alliance to support this motion in the Higher Senate.

Lastly, Galaxy 68 has been very quiet the last few days. I am grateful because it has given us a chance to build, but I have an uneasy feeling that this may be the "calm before the storm." Baron DeSilvia has been doing an excellent job giving our planets aid and protection. I think he may have even sent some of our system neighbors into Diplomatic Mode. I am forever indebted to his grace.

The Gaian colony ship has just landed on a planet located at coordinates 56:201:9! Please look out for it in the coming weeks, for Galaxy 56 is far from home and I will not be able to send supplies or ships very often. I leave them in your hands. I dedicate this colony, Aether because of its heavenly beauty. Farewell for now my friends.

Thank you for all the resources you have been sending to the colony of Aether at 56:201:9. However, I must advise you to halt transports for now so they will not fall into the hands of the enemy. Aether has sustained two attacks recently in which the transport vessels stationed there were destroyed. It will take approximately 13 hours to send new transport vessels to the colony. As you know, without transports I cannot fleet or resource save. Both of the attacks were carried out by Captain Merrill Stubing of the Time Wasters alliance. He is a powerful and fierce enemy and I fear the only thing we can do is try and proceed diplomatically and hope for the best.

I'd like to inform you that my personal team of intelligence operatives have just finished an extensive map of Galaxy 68: Sectors 110-140. If you'd like to establish a colony or a summer retreat out on the fringes, please let me know so I can advise you on some prime real estate. It's quite peaceful out here and excellent place to store up resources without having to worry about them being plundered. Also, 68 has a great potential to become a VnV dominated zone since there is not any one alliance that has great presence here. If you'd like any information contact me on my homeworld, Gaia [68:124:12].

The tensions with Captain Merrill Stubing continue. He has probed my colony everyday for the last three days. However, I am more prepared and he will not catch me off guard again. You may continue sending in resources if you'd like.

It pleases me to say the the Gaian Market is now fully operational and will be located in the Galactic Trade Commission. As of now it mostly serves the outer galaxies since that is where the majority of my resources are.

It has just come to my attention that my homeworld has been probed by yet another Arcan Imperium member. He must have just colonized in Galaxy 68 because he is not located on our mapping systems. I would hate to see this alliance become a prominent force in my galaxy, but we will just have to wait and see what happens.

The surface of Gaia is cold. Deathly cold. Even at it's warmest it is barely above freezing. Certainly not a suitable living environment for humans. However, the Gaians were a strong willed people, so they began to dig. For decades the people of Gaia drilled into it's surface hoping to someday dig deep enough to escape the harsh conditions that plagued their small settlements. Life was almost unbearable.

After their homeworld had been all but destroyed by war and pestilence a small colony ship set out hoping to find refuge in the infinite void that is space. They travelled for years, finding nothing but rock and debris. Eventually, their ship simply ran out of fuel and crash landed on the surface of the world now known as Gaia.

Against impossible odds the Gaian community banded together and exhausted every resource to survive on the foreign planet. A leadership council was formed, and the head of this council was Frederick Flores, the first King of Gaia. With nowhere to turn, the Gaians began to dig. Their mining technology was crude at first, but it steadily progressed until they were finally able to dig deep enough to reach the lush oasis-like interior of the planet. Under the cold, dark surface of Gaia lied a huge network of caverns filled with long, winding rivers, and dense jungles. The people quickly settled into their newfound home and named it Divinus, the capital of the Kingdom of Gaia. However, as the population expanded, new caverns would need to be explored and settled, but the Gaians would soon find that they were not alone.

I send you news from Gaia, good, and bad. The good news is that Baron DeSilvia and myself have been exerting VnV dominance in Galaxy 68, Sectors 110-140. Gaia now has 5 fully functional legions, (Legion = Athena x1, Poseidon x3, Apollo x 5, Artemis x10) and is raiding active star systems nearby. I am also pleased to hear that a new consulate is going to be established closer to Gaia. I look forward to being an active participant in the government of Galaxy 63+. Earlier I mentioned bad news. Unfortunately the Gaian colony of Aether was abandoned last week after several attacks and probings by stronger forces in Galaxy 56. The Elder's Council thought it wise to cut our losses and bring our people home; a decision I heartily agreed with. We might have persevered had there been no change in policy regarding the split in sector government. As soon as the new consulate is up and running the Council will decide whether or not to establish a new colony closer to it. Farewell for now my brothers and sisters. May peace find you well.

A peaceful day in the Gaian Royal Gardens. The Prince strolls leisurely down the small cobblestone pathway between thousands of massive jungle plants. His fiancée walks with him and they talk of wedding plans...

Katherine: Love, I cannot do this by myself! You need to be more involved, this is important!

Prince Caleb: Katherine, I know it's important, but...

He is cut off by the sound of quick footsteps coming down the path. The Prince's hand instinctively travels to his sidearm, but he brings it back to his side when he sees who it is. It is his Senior Intelligence Operative, Sergeant Dak Raxter.

PC: Certainly, Sergeant. Katherine, meet me in the dining hall, we will finish this discussion later. Now, what is it that couldn't seem to wait, Sergeant.

SR: Sir, we're under attack.

PC: What? By whom? Was there any espionage detected?

SR: Sir, we believe it is Commander Sb Fido from the neighboring planet, and (he looks at his reports) No, sir. No espionage, they are firing blind.

PC: This is absolute madness! How big is the fleet?

SR: 24 ships, sir.

PC: I think Commander Fido has lost his mind. How could he even hope to penetrate our defenses with such a small fleet? There must be a larger plot at work here. Sergeant, I want our intelligence officers working around the clock trying to figure out what is motivating this pirate.

SR: Yes, sir.

PC: In the mean time, keep the defenses on alert and tell the Admiral to reserve our veteran pilots and give the recruits something to do. And, try and establish communications with Commander Fido, I would hate to have unnecessary bloodshed.

Sergeant Raxter, rushes off in the other direction. The Prince is still perplexed about the purpose of such a foolish strategy.

[Transmission received marked with the seal of House Xulub. Source: Atlan]

The Peace of the Father be with you, Prince of Gaia,

I bid you greetings and salutations from Atlan. I am the Chamberlain charged with the well-being of its people while our monarch serves our alliance on Thera. News has reached us in the Inner Fringes of our Gaian brothers and sisters, and many have taken a keen interest in your world especially our scientists. Atlan is home to the greatest among them as it is she that hosts our most advanced research facilities. It would please them greatly if they would be granted permission to study the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to thrive in the subterranean environments of Gaia. A delegation has been selected from the top people in the relevant fields of study. They eagerly await your word.

Thank you for your interest in our world. It is a very interesting place and I am sure that there is still more we can learn of it. As of right now only 10% of the expansive labyrinth of caverns has been explored, according to the latest research. We are in great need of more scientists and researchers, for new discoveries are being made daily. I can assure that our universities will welcome your delegation with open arms. However, please inform your scientists that they will need to go through a series of medical examinations and vaccinations. Although the Gaian people have acclimated to the various strains of disease within our jungles, many foreigners have not. I look forward to working closer to both you and Chief Ambassador Xulub in the future.

Sergeant Raxter quickly walks down the hall of the palace, his footsteps echoing loudly on the marble floors. At the end of the hall is the Prince's office, the door is closed. He steps to the small intercom to the right and presses the button.

Sergeant Raxter: Sergeant Raxter, permission to enter, sir.

Prince Caleb: Permission granted.

SR: Sir, I have the intelligence reports concerning the attack from Sb Fido.

PC: And.

SR: The first message is from Baron DeSilvia who has also been leading raids against Sb Fido's worlds. Essentially, it says that he will be recruiting stronger allies in order to launch an assault. He also states that because of our raids on his planets he will be taking vengeance.

PC: (Has a look of disgust) We aren't raiding his planets, we're saving them! Commander Fido is a pirate, a terrorist who rules his people as a dictator. He abandons his people, his fleet and his resources to take part in piracy. Did you find out why he sent such a small fleet to attack us.

SR: Well, the press on his planet is portraying it as a civilian massacre. Here is the report:

Reporter: Earlier today a small fleet transporting resources from one of the outer colonies into the homeworld was attacked without warning by Gaian warships. All 24 ships were destroyed and there were no survivors. There are masses gathering on every planet, protesting the Gaian presence in the galaxy. Could this mean war? Find out tonight on News at 11!

PC: This is outrageous! He sacrificed his own people to start a war he can't win! Sergeant, what are his alliance affiliations?

"Gaian Emergency Broadcast System online." A small hologram figure appears. It is Prince Caleb dressed in his dark grey military uniform. "Commanders of the VnV Nation. The very fact that you have received this message means that I am either dead or missing. I recorded this message soon after I was accepted into the VnV Nation as a way of notifying you if I were to pass on before my time. However, do not mourn, your primary concern should be with the people of the Gaian Kingdom. If I am dead or missing, it most likely means that a terrible tragedy has befallen our planet. Baron DeSilvia will be the diplomat in charge of communications with Gaia until I am confirmed to be deceased or am rescued. Please note that this transmission was sent automatically, and that more information will hopefully be available soon. Until then, Farewell."